Warlady Dea, Part 2

"The challenges worry you, you do not think I will last much longer." It came out as a statement, I knew her to well for it to be anything else. All she did was shake her head at my statement.

"No little one, I do not worry for that. I trained you, I pushed you harder than any other." She pauses for a moment catching my attention, "I am here because the King is about to announce his summons." I had completely stopped by the time she finished, I was in complete shock.

"No." It was my only answer.

"You do not have a choice, neither do any of the other territories. You know the law, you are the only female here to be summoned. You have been getting these challenges more frequently because people are anticipating this." There was pity in my grandmothers voice and in her eyes. She knew I would not like any of this and wanted to see if I had figured out why I have been fighting so much these last few years, but she's right I have no choice.

"Who will lead while I am away? Nike is no Warlord, he is to soft hearted and no other in the territory can fight to keep their place in the seat here." My voice and demeanor automatically went back into being cold and calculating. At this Ma does the same, only she is staying relaxed while my whole body is tensed, stressed at the thought of what is to come.

"Your bother and I both will lead in your stead. You are right, Nike is to soft hearted, however he is only second to you in fighting. He will be my champion while I lead in your seat until you come back from the capital." My Ma says. Only this is not my Ma talking, this is the Morrigan, the Warlady declaring her seat back. I bow my head to her in acceptance, and respect.

"When do I leave Warlady?" I ask her, giving her my acknowledgement that she is now Warlady and I am not by using the title.

"You leave today Dea. The King's escorts are in the center of town waiting for you as we speak, at this you will announce the seat transition as well at your departure." Morrigan says.

"As you say Warlady." I respond as I bow my head.

.....

"You can not be serious!" Nike exclaims as soon as he sees Ma and I walking towards him and the escorts.

In the center of town is a training ring and blacksmith, as well as shops, food market, and homes surrounding it all. The training ring and blacksmith are our center due to our need of being strong fighters.

Morrigan responded before I could, "Nike, it is law. Dea is the only female of strong enough standing to go to the capital and it not in our hands any longer." At the last statement she pointedly looks at the escorts, who in turn bow their heads to not only my grandmother but myself as well.

"Warlady Morrigan will be leading in my stead. As well Nike, you are to be her champion and second until my return." I looked my brother in the eyes, pleading with him to not fight me in this. After a moment it seems he understood and bowed his head to us both.

By this time it is midday and I instructed Nike to sound the meeting bell.

After only a few moments at the end of the bell ringing, everyone of Capse leadership is assembled. I steel my nerves and face the council members that rule under the Warlady or Warlord, as well as the Generals.

After taking a deep breath I announce to those assembled, "I am being called to the Capital for the King's Match. I am placing Warlady Morrigan in my place until my return, any challenges to the seat will be faced with Warlady's Champion, Nike, my second." I motion Nike and my grandmother to step to my side. Once they are next to me I continue, "Any challenges to this, step forward now."

As soon as the last word left my lips, one of the newest Generals steps forward. A young man, maybe mid-twenties blonde hair, dark skin, and an attractive face.

I reach for my twin short swords, that are strapped to my back in an X shape. I pulled them from their sheaths, as I advance a step one of the escorts grabs my upper arm. I whirl on him and have the blade to his throat as I saw, "I am still Warlady of this territory until I leave Capse. My last order here is being challenged and I will not let another fight in my place, so if you wish to keep breathing you will release your hold." My voice is so cold that it could freeze the air around us.

The escort had the good sense to have a look of terror when I had the blade to his throat. It only intensified as I spoke, he released me as soon as the last word left my lips. Only for the young General to lunge as soon as I was released.

I had enough time to jump to the side to miss the blow to my neck. I quickly recovered and was on my feet with my knees bent, swords raised. The General advanced, striking, not pulling back nor stopping for recovery.